Summit at Snoqualmie announces new chairlift for next season

The Summit at Snoqualmie plans to install a new chairlift starting in June, resort officials announced Thursday.

The Rampart Chair is scheduled to be ready for the 2014-15 ski and snowboard season. The fixed-grip quad chair will feature a conveyor belt loading system and will be built and installed by Salt Lake City-based SkyTrac. The lift is part of the ongoing improvement at Summit East and the Silver Fir portion of Summit Central. Last season the ski area unveiled a new lodge.

Resort officials say the new lift, which will be on the north-facing slopes of Summit East, will increase uphill capacity and open a new glade skiing.

“We’ve eagerly awaited this key piece of the puzzle that now really helps complete the fun, adventurous side of The Summit,” Summit general manager Dan Brewster said in a prepared statement. “Our skiers and snowboarders love the diverse terrain offerings and freedom of the entire Silver Fir/Summit East zone with its beautiful glade terrain and spectacular scenic views.”

The new lift will be part of $3.5 million in improvements at the resort over the summer. The ski area also plans purchase new summer slope maintenance equipment, improve lighting at Alpental and install winch anchors for increased grooming.